High Five Voters!

This is one of the most requested options from the 40% Programmable Keyboard poll created by evangs. For those of you who voted, thank you for making this drop possible.

1 of 4 Options

634 Votes

40% of the Size, 90% of the Functionality

This is one MiniVan we aren’t embarrassed to love. No, it’s not the oft-disparaged vehicle of soccer moms everywhere. It’s the highly anticipated 40% keyboard that types like a tenkeyless. Designed by community member Evan Sailer, it features a staggered layout that hews closely to QWERTY. It also features two function layers, which can be activated from either side of the keyboard, plus a split space bar and the all-important slash key. We may be biased, but we’re also confident: This is the most user-friendly keyboard of its size.

Note: At checkout, you’ll have your choice of switches, keycaps, case color, and layout. Need help programming your MiniVan? Refer to the Programming Guide here. First time using Matias switches? Please read this post.

Do-It-Yourself Assembly

With a soldering iron and a little help from the video below, you’ll be able to assemble the MiniVan Keyboard in about an hour. It comes with a CNC-machined aluminum case and aluminum plate, PCB, stabilizers, and bumpons. And at checkout, you’ll be able to add switches and keycaps. On your own, you can install LEDs.

LightCycle Keycap Set

With its bright blue contrasted against light and dark grays, the LightCycle keycap set is heavily inspired by the Tron movies. Designed with feedback from the community to provide an array of layout options, the LightCycle keyset is compatible with both Matias and MX stems, and features the DSA profile to further extend layout compatibility. And for added pop, the set includes accent keys.

Note: Due to 100 unit MOQ for both the Matias and MX style LightCycle keycaps, current order quantity will be recorded here.

MX Style - 280

Matias Style - 103

The Layouts

The MiniVan supports two bottom row layouts. The standard layout is the original bottom row layout, carefully constructed by Evan himself. A large emphasis was placed on making the modifiers easy to reach and identify while still being familiar. The second layout was inspired by a community member who pointed out that changing a couple of key sizes would allow for an arrow cluster in the bottom right.

Reprogrammable PCB

The MiniVan PCB is fully programmable, meaning you can redefine every single key via the open-source firmware. By compiling your custom layout and flashing it to the PCB, you can completely customize the experience. If that sounds like too much work, don't fret. The MiniVan PCB comes pre-loaded with Evan’s preferred layout. This PCB also supports both the standard and arrow cluster layouts as well as both MX and Alps switches. Want to add a little extra flair? In-switch LEDs are supported.

Switch Options

The circuit board of The MiniVan is compatible with Cherry MX, Matias, and Gateron switches. The most popular switch in the mechanical keyboard community, Cherry MX mechanical switches have a reliable reputation and come in multiple variants. Whether you prefer a linear or tactile feel, clicky or quiet sound, or larger or smaller actuation force, there is a Cherry MX switch for you.

Step-by-Step Installation Instructions

Case Color Options

Specs

40% form factor

Staggered layout

2 function layers

Split space bar

Fully programmable PCB

Supports standard and arrow cluster layouts

Supports in-switch LEDs

Kits Include

CNC aluminum case

Aluminum plate

PCB

Plate-mounted cherry stabilizers

Bumpons

Cone feet

46 Switches (Gateron, Cherry MX, Matias, or Zealios)

PBT keycaps with MX style stems (blank or laser-etched)

Mini USB cable

Massdrop 1-Year Limited Warranty

Barebones Kit Include

CNC aluminum case

Aluminum plate

PCB

Stabilizers

Bumpons

Cone feet

LightCycle DSA Keycaps

Signature Plastics

Doubleshot DSA

ABS Plastic

Made in USA

Shipping

All orders will be shipped by Massdrop.

Estimated ship date is Dec 9, 2016 PT.

After the drop ends, payment will be collected. To deliver the best value to the group the request will then be submitted to the vendor up front, making all sales final. Be sure to check the discussion page for updates.

Where's the price?

To negotiate the best possible price for our members, we must agree to hide our prices externally.